Social Well-Being Suggestions for Arizona Lawyers

Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Networking Events

The YLD hosts recurring, in‑person networking events designed to help attorneys build community, expand referral networks, and strengthen social wellbeing.

• Phoenix YLD Networking Events: Generally held the second Thursday of each month at rotating locations across the Phoenix metro area.

• Tucson YLD Networking Events: Occur a few times per year; invitations sent by email.

• These events are casual mixers that support connection, mentorship, and peer engagement.

State Bar of Arizona Annual Convention – Social Events & Mixers

The Convention is the Bar’s largest statewide gathering and includes numerous opportunities for social connection:

• Daily networking events

• Social receptions

• Young Lawyers Division social programming

• Opportunities to meet attorneys from across Arizona. This is one of the strongest annual opportunities for attorney social wellbeing and community building.

YLD Social Event at Convention

The first day of Convention includes:

• Breakfast meet‑and‑greet for new lawyers

• A dedicated social event with drinks and snacks to connect with peers This is specifically designed to help attorneys build relationships and reduce isolation.

Holiday Charitable Event (YLD)

The YLD’s annual holiday party for children in group homes brings together ~40 attorneys and legal professionals for a shared volunteer experience — a meaningful social‑connection opportunity.

Section Events & Mixers (Varies by Month)

The Bar’s “Upcoming Events” calendar includes occasional mixers. Section events generally occur from August through May each year.

Well‑Being Week in Law (WWIL)

While primarily educational, WWIL emphasizes connection, community, and social support as core pillars of attorney wellbeing. Events throughout the week encourage attorneys to engage with peers, attend live sessions, and participate in community‑building activities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sometimes giving back to the community is the right way to feel connected.

Peer Support Network

Connecting with a Peer Support Volunteer during a moment of crisis or personal struggle can be a powerful anchor for social well‑being. It gives an attorney something the profession often makes hard to access: a real human connection at the exact moment it’s needed most. Speaking with a trained peer creates a sense of belonging, reduces isolation, and reminds the attorney that they are part of a community that understands the pressures of legal practice. Even a single conversation can restore perspective, ease emotional load, and help someone feel supported rather than alone — strengthening both resilience and connection within the legal profession.

Recommended Reading

Brene Brown, The Power of Vulnerability, TEDx Talk, 20:04 mins. Social scientist Brene Brown studies and writes on human connection, including empathy and belonging. In this talk, she shares her research and insights from her own life journey.

Jane Dutton & Lee, J. (2017). The Benefits Of Saying Nice Things About Your Colleagues. Harvard Business Review.

Read Kira Newman's article, How Gratitude Can Transform Your Workplace, and then why not write a gratitude letter to someone you've been meaning to thank.  Or start your day with a gratitude exercise - say out loud three things are you are grateful for - they can be big or little to positively focus your day.